Architect Job Description: Role, Salary, Responsibilities, Qualifications & Resume

Architects are professionals who construct the plans and strategies of the construction and building works within the environment. As specialists, they manage both the artistic and engineering components in order to optimize the function and appearance of given space. Their work ensures that the structures and environment created are appropriate, functional, and suitable in terms of their impact on the targeted population. Architects are essential in the design of residential houses, commercial buildings and even general public facilities and environments which makes them instrumental in the construction industry.

Resume Description for This Job

For the Architect job position, applicants should be able to submit a resume that stresses on technical design and management. In addition to this, applicants should demonstrate their ability to use architectural software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, as well as their knowledge of building codes, regulations, and construction processes.

Sample Resume Description:

“I am a skilled Architect with knowledge of construction processes and building layers, both cumulative and over six years of experience in the design of residential and commercial properties. I can communicate with a variety of clients as well as project managers to ensure design execution meets all safety guidelines. There are also knowledge and experience with AutoCAD, Revit and 3D modeling.”

Key Skills to Include:
  • Architectural drafting and design
  • Architectural program/software: AutoCAD, Sketch Up, Revit
  • Building regulations and ordinances, codes
  • Understanding building structures/formed conceptual design
  • Management of projects and interaction with contractors and clients
  • Design for sustainable development
  • Curb-redesign thinking and artistic design

Salary (Based Range in USA)

The range of income among architects practicing in the territory of the United States is apparently quite broad, and it remains indirect largely to respect to the level of professional development, the region in which an architect operates and characteristics of the particular projects. The salary pay scale for any architect is listed here:

  • Beginner Architect: US 50000 dollars to 60000 dollars a year
  • Mid-Career Architect: 70000 dollars to about 90000 dollars
  • Experienced Architect: 100000 dollars to about 120000 dollars a year
  • Senior Architect or Project Manager: 130000 dollars with possibility to go as high as 150000 dollars with yearly evaluation

Architects in bigger cities or those involved in specific fields of architecture like urban designs or large commercial building designs get more. Architects who practice in specialized fields such as green building design and urban architecture modules as well get more.

Responsibilities

architectural photography of modern building

An Architect is tasked with overseeing and coordinating different construction projects so that the overall objectives are achieved. Below are the key duties typically associated with the role:

Design and Planning
  • Preparation of architectural designs and plans in regard to the requirements of the clients, physical conditions, and financing available.
  • Producing preliminary plans and designs, both using computer-aided design (CAD) programs and sketching by hand.
  • Proposing designed objects and working drafts for discussion and endorsement by the clients and other interested parties.
Project Coordination
  • Working alongside other professionals including, structural engineers, contractors, interior designers, among others for a successful outcome.
  • Supervising the creation of construction documents including, but not limited to blueprints, construction drawings, and specifications.
  • Controlling the program and finances of the projects so that they can be completed in time and within budgetary provisions.
Construction Oversight
  • Making sure that the intentions of the design have been carried out during the course of construction.
  • Paying field visits and undertaking inspection tasks to assess progress and quality.
  • Resolving construction proprietary problems, expediting plans, etc. to the extent feasible to speed up project completion.
Compliance and Sustainability
  • This ensures that the plans designed will be adhered to the building regulation, zoning requirements and safety measures.
  • Utilizing green designs such as energy-efficient systems and green materials in developing the designs.
  • Using the design process and its reach to mitigate environmental challenges and enforce sustainability.
Client Communication
  • The construction process has to be communicated with the clients during all its phases, starting from the primary design stage till the finishing stage.
  • Monitoring the developments of the project and informing the client about the stages of its realization and when he can expect it to be finished.
  • Arguing on details and materials in the best interests of the clients.

Qualifications

Certain educational, licensure, and experience conditions can be referred to as pre-requisites for becoming a successful Architect.

Education
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is the lowest requirement, nevertheless most Architects are able to reach a Master’s degree in Architecture for further advancement in the field.
  • In addition to offering a practical and experiential component in design studios, architectures programs enable students to gain knowledge on such areas as architectural history, materials science, construction methods and design theory as part of their studies.
Licensure
  • It is necessary for architects to obtain licensure in order to professionally practice in the United States. This includes undertaking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), which assesses knowledge in areas relating to building design, construction systems and professional practice.
  • Some additional certification, or a continuing education may be required to maintain licensure in some states.
Experience
  • Most architectural curricula advocate that students undergo internship or apprenticeship training under the supervision of a registered architect.
  • A three-year apprenticeship program is common to most vocational training. With this duration, a would-be architect learns about design, management and actual construction.
Skills and Competencies
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in architectural programs, drafting and construction methodologies.
  • Creativity: Ability to create spaces that are both visually and practically efficient.
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to plan and develop structures with accuracy, such that relevant requirements are adhered to.
  • Project Management: Good ability to coordinate several projects, deadlines and financial plans.
  • Communication: Good spoken and written communication to enable interaction with clients, builders, and colleagues.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to think outside the box when faced with design issues and construction problems.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference, between architect and designer?

An architect is a professional qualified and licensed to practice architecture who draws and supervises structure construction and building in accordance to legal codes and rules. However, an interior designer seeks the beauty and use of the indoor place and most of the time work with architects to develop the interiors of buildings.

Q2: How many years does one need to study to become an architect?

Usually, 7 to 10 years is the typical duration of an architect. Here they will have to earn a bachelor’s degree which normally takes around 5 years, and undergo practice for three years as well before taking the Architect Registration Examination to gain a license.

Q3: Can architects specialize in certain areas?

Yes working areas in which an architect can specialize include residential design, commercial architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and sustainable architecture. Specialization can help in getting more job offers as well as pay.

Q4: What are the working conditions for architects?

Most architects perform their daily tasks inside an office but are required to be on construction sites from time to time to observe progress and execution of the design plan. The hours can be irregular and will sometimes include weekends when program and design work for large projects is being undertaken.

Q5: What is the job outlook for architects?

According to the statistics, the job outlook for architects is rather promising, with these specialists expected to grow at about 1 percent between 2020 and 2030. There will still be a need for architects in the coming years, particularly for urbanization, sustainable design and various infrastructure developments.

Conclusion

For such individuals, becoming an Architect will be a very rewarding profession, one that is ideal for designers, constructors, or persons who simply wish to build spaces that alter people’s experiences. It is a unique profession that combines art and science, with the added advantage of diverse areas of specialization. Architecture as a profession will not only allow one to have well paying job prospects, but also a positive employment growth making it ideal for anyone who wishes to combine form and function.

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